THE N.S. WELSHMEN FOR ENGLAND.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XVI, Issue 952, 4 June 1908, Page 11

THE N.S. WELSHMEN FOR ENGLAND.

According to the Sydney “Referee” the New South Wales Rugby Union has definitely arranged for the team to leave for England on August 8 by the R.M.S. Omrah, the party to consist of 29 players and a manager. One of the players is to be appointed assistant manager, and to undertake the management in the event of the manager being incapacitated at any time. The manager has not yet been appointed. The names of several Rugby Union officials have been mentioned in this connection. Mr J. R. Henderson, who has managed teams

to New Zealand, is one of these, but he is not a candidate, having very important business interests to superintend. Mr James McMahon’s name is also mentioned, and it is believed that he will be appointed. New Zealand sent 14 forwards and 13 backs, and South Africa 14 forwards and 15 backs, on the English tour. The New South Wales party will probably consist of 14 forwards and 15 backs, but that is a matter for the Selection Committee to decide. It is likely that one or two of the ablest players will not be able to make the trip. Nevertheless, it is clear that there is no dearth of good talent. How players accustomed to the fine weather and hard, dry grounds of Australian football will fare in the cold and wet English winter is to be seen. The South Africans performed brilliantly under these conditions, and the inference is that the New South Welshmen, if the best team be got together, should not be any more seriously handicapped than the Springboks were.